Slam dunk for Auckland

From City Scene, published on 4 May, 2008

A successful joint bid from Basketball New Zealand, Auckland City Council and North Shore City Council has seen New Zealand win the rights to host next year's FIBA Men's U-19 World Championships.

The tournament will be the most important basketball event ever held in this country and will take place in Auckland from 2 to 12 July 2009, bringing 16 teams from the five FIBA zones.

Pool games will be spread between the North Shore Events Centre and ASB Stadium, while the finals will be played at Vector Arena.

Auckland city mayor Hon. John Banks says he is thrilled Auckland has won the bid to host the 2009 championships.

"A team effort has allowed us to secure this international tournament," he says. "This is a great opportunity to demonstrate Auckland's ability to host major events."